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The Boys’ Deli

2222 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
$$
Delis, Sandwiches, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches

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Master Critic Review

The Boys’ Deli 8.1
Russian Hill
Back-of-market counter serving overstuffed deli classics and hot rotisserie chicken sandwiches. Portions are generous and the bread-to-filling balance stays spot on.
Must-Try Dishes: Hot rotisserie chicken sandwich, Pastrami on rye, Turkey avocado on Dutch crunch
Scores:
Value: 9 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 6.2 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Market deli turning out hefty, fairly priced classics fast.
Who should go: Hungry sandwich traditionalists on a budget
When to visit: Lunch before 12:15pm for shortest line
What to order: Rotisserie chicken; Pastrami; Turkey avocado
Insider tip: Request Dutch crunch lightly toasted to keep the crust from shattering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight during lunch rush but usually manageable within a few blocks on Polk or Broadway.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, jeans and T-shirts are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly takeout traffic with short conversations, easy to hear if you dine in.
Weekend wait: Not a dinner destination—counter closes by early evening, so no dinner wait.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes at peak times, especially just after noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—basic veggie sandwiches like avocado, cheese, or grilled veggie options available.
Vegan options: Limited—customize with veggies and avocado, but expect minimal specialty spreads.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread; all sandwiches are on standard rolls or Dutch crunch.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is more of a grab-and-go counter than a sit-down spot, better for casual lunches than first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken. A few counter seats may be free, but most people order to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, for older kids who can handle big sandwiches. No kids’ menu or high chairs, but portions are generous and shareable.
Best For
Better for: Big, filling sandwiches at wallet-friendly prices with fast service compared to trendier delis nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down dining experience or strict dietary accommodations like gluten-free bread.